Posts Tagged ‘Tips’

Tuesday Tip: Make the Most of Your Countertop

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Your counter serves many purposes, so it can be difficult to create a space that can accommodate all of your needs. The three main roles of a counter are 1) to serve as a space for customers to check out purchases, 2) to display smaller, convenience items for impulse purchase and 3) to function as a work station for employees.

By following some simple tips, you can transform your counter from drab to fab.

Most importantly, you must keep your counter clean. A dusty work area could reflect poorly on your business. At the end of the day, try to make it a point to wipe down the front, sides and surface of your counter. After each week clear everything off and get the back corners.

Don’t clutter up your counter space. This is sometimes easier said than done. Remember that countertops are no place for work documents or employees’ personal belongings. Employees can keep their belongings safely stowed in the back of the store. Also, things like staplers, receipt tape and other day to day supplies have a way of ending up everywhere and getting lost. To keep organized, we recommend designating a permanent home for these items and then labeling that spot so employees know where to return items.

Make thoughtful choices as to what you keep on your counter. If you make note of the supplies that you use most often, you can put everything else away. For merchandise, we find it best to switch out countertop items and see which ones sell.

Keep the countertop simple, but make it pop. Just by adding some lights or seasonal decorations can really make the countertop stand out. Trying new things can work to your advantage. Consider changing up your countertop display.

How do you keep your countertop interesting and functional?

Tuesday Tip: Customer Theft Protection

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Small or large, sticky fingers are a problem that plagues the retail industry. From children making off with a candy bar to experienced pros who make a living off stealing merchandise, you need to take precautions to make sure your store and your merchandise is protected.

Last year loss rates rose to account for more than $36 billion. A survey conducted by the University of Florida estimated that loss represented 1.44% of all retail sales in 2008. And experts are pointing to even higher numbers for 2009 as a result of the recession. And the scariest number in this survey is that 44% of loss is estimated to be employee theft.

Because this is such a large topic, we are going to devout two weeks to security and loss prevention. This week, the focus is on customer oriented theft.

An easy way to keep theft down is to make your presence known in the store. By wandering around your store occasionally and asking every customer if they need help, potential thieves are more aware that you are watching and will be less likely to take things.

Other tips include:

  • Keep small or easily stolen items near the counter area.
  • Use glass display cases to secure valuable items.
  • Install security mirrors in the corners of your store so that you can see all areas of your store.
  • Utilize anti theft door system with security tags for your merchandise.
  • Consider using security cameras, whether they actually function or are just simulated cameras.
  • Post signs about your store’s theft policy.

The key to successfully stopping theft in your store is to proactively take steps to keep crime down. Keep your eyes open, check large bags in the front of the store and call the authorities if you suspect someone is breaking the law.

How does your store keep theft from occurring?